Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Miami FC's most dependable defensive player from last year will be back with the team for a second season, the Blues announced Tuesday.

Zach Kirby, who started 23 games and was voted the fans' Player of the Year, will return to Miami FC's back line in 2010.

The Blues also announced that they have come to terms with Miami Kendall's Bryan Perez, a Costa Rican-born midfielder who is the all-time University of Missouri Kansas City leader in goals (29), shots on goal (160) and games (78).

Miami FC might have a new league, tons of new players and possibly a new coach, but the Blues will open the 2010 season against a familiar foe.

The Rochester Rhinos, one of six teams to make the move from USL-1 to the newly formed NASL this offseason, will visit South Florida on April 10, kicking off a four-game homestand for the Blues.

Where exactly the Blues will host that game has not been announced. Miami FC split games between FIU and Lockhart stadiums last year, but signs are the Blues will stick to one home this year.

Also not clear: If Zinho will be back as coach for another season or which players will suit up for the Blues, who went 8-17-5 in 2009.

Rochester, Miami FC and the other breakaway teams are technically part of the 10-team NASL, but will still play USL-1 squads as well in the interim USSF Second Division.

NASL expansion club the FC Tampa Rowdies will come to town May 1 for the inaugural Florida derby, while the Blues get their first look at the nascent NSC Minnesota Stars on May 15.

The Blues will get their first crack at the defending USL-1 champion Montreal Impact in Canada on June 6, and then will host Crystal Palace Baltimore, which jumped from USL-2 to NASL, for the first time three days later.

The Portland Timbers, who along with Austin and Puerto Rico chose to remain part of USL-1, head to South Florida on June 12.

The Blues, who open U.S. Open Cup action either June 15 or 16, will visit the expansion A.C. St. Louis on Sept. 5 and then close out their USSF Second Division schedule against the rival Islanders on Oct. 2.